Scientists at University of Exeter have found that watching nature on media can uplift people's moods, reduce negative emotions, and help alleviate boredom associated with being isolated indoors. These have become increasingly common challenges because of COVID-19 quarantines. Good old-fashioned TV programs centered on nature can do that. But, as reported in a study published in Journal of Environmental Psychology, interactive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences of nature also led to increases in positive feelings, such as happiness. They also strengthened how connected people felt to nature. The Exeter scientists worked with BBC's Blue Planet II series team. Their findings support initiatives seeking to bring the therapeutic potential of nature to people at home. An example is BBC's recent Mindful Escapes series. "We're particularly excited by the additional benefits immersive experiences of nature might provide," said researcher Mathew White. "Virtual reality could help us to boost the wellbeing of people who can't readily access the natural world, such as those in hospital or in long term care." "But it might also help to encourage a deeper connection to nature in healthy populations, a mechanism which can foster more pro-environmental behaviors and prompt people to protect and preserve nature in the real world." Virus-Mimicking Drug Fights Tumors Researchers at UC Los Angeles have found that a drug that activates the body's natural defenses, by behaving like a virus, may also make certain stealthy tumors visible to the immune system. This exposes them to better targeting by immunotherapy. A study is published in Science Translational Medicine. The researchers injected a virus-mimicking drug, called BO-112, directly into tumors in the laboratory. As a result, these tumors could be recognized and killed by immune system cells. The researchers are now leading a human clinical trial of a combination therapy involving BO-112. The idea is to activate the immune system against the patient's tumor while the tumor is still in the body. Molecules from Wasp Venom Kill Bacteria Scientists at University of Pennsylvania have engineered powerful new antimicrobial molecules from toxic proteins found in wasp venom. A research paper is published in PNAS. It reports that the researchers altered a highly toxic small protein from the Korean yellow-jacket wasp. The alterations enhanced the molecule's ability to kill bacterial cells while greatly reducing its ability to harm human cells. The scientists hope to develop the molecules into new bacteria-killing drugs. This would be an important advancement, considering increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Greater Understanding of Dopamine and Serotonin Researchers led by Virginia Tech have found that two well-known neurochemicals, dopamine and serotonin, shape how people perceive the world and take action based on their perception. Dopamine and serotonin are involved in disorders ranging from depression to Parkinson's disease. A study is published in Neuron. It suggests that these neurochemicals integrate people's perceptions of the world with their actions. The results of the study indicate that dopamine and serotonin have far more expansive roles in the human nervous system than previously known. The researchers used new techniques, able to continually and simultaneously measure the activity of both dopamine and serotonin in the human brain.

Talk of immunity abounds. But it’s nice that work focusing on body enhancement is still coming out. Today we'll look at evidence for using Anthocyanin supplements to improve climbing performance. And we'll also look at evidence that Caffeine increases work capacity at a given level of exertion, and Vitamin D enhances lean body mass. Anthocyanin Enhances Climbing Performance New Study: Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on sport climbing performance This study looked at performance while climbing. Training increases muscle oxidative capacity. But blood flow appears to remain a limiting factor to performance. These researchers hoped that they could further optimize performance and recovery. They wanted to increase blood flow to skeletal muscles. And they wanted to facilitate removal of metabolic by-products in the forearms. To that end, the study used Anthocyanin supplements. They are associated with improved blood flow at rest and during exercise. The source of Anthocyanin was New Zealand blackcurrant extract, at 210 mg Anthocyanin per dose. The test subjects were eighteen intermediate level male climbers, who climbed at least two times a week. To establish a baseline, participants completed a set of three climbs, until volitional exhaustion. Then they repeated the set after taking the supplement for 7 days, and after taking a placebo for 7 days, in random order. There were 2 weeks between climbs to allow time for the supplement to wash out. While taking the Anthocyanin supplement, climbers were able to climb for 23% longer without a significant change in their perceived exertion. There was no change in grip strength. Climbers’ forearms increased in size during each of the three climbs in each set. But the size increase was less while taking the supplement. This is good because swollen muscles become more painful in recovery. The Anthocyanin supplement appeared to enable these athletes to climb longer. And that may have been done by improving flood flow. Caffeine Increases Capacity Per Exertion New Study: Effects of caffeine supplementation on physical performance and mood dimensions in elite and trained-recreational athletes These researchers cited studies where Caffeine improved physical performance in people at various levels of activity. They wanted to compare the improvement in elite athletes versus recreational athletes. The study included eight men who competed in international boxing competitions. It also included ten college recreational athletes, who trained at least three times a week, could bench press their weight, and could squat at least 1.5 times their weight. The participants performed a series of actions. First, they received a placebo or a Caffeine supplement. The supplement contained Caffeine dosed at 6 mg per kg bodyweight. Sixty minutes later, the participants completed questionnaires about mood and perceived vitality. Then they performed a Wingate test measuring anaerobic performance. And finally, they rated their exertion. Caffeine supplements didn’t appear to make a difference in perceived exertion. However, the elite athletes had greater perceived leg exertion. And the recreational athletes had greater perceived cardiorespiratory exertion. After Caffeine supplementation, participants reached a greater peak power. They also reached peak power sooner and exerted greater power throughout the exercise. The performance effect of Caffeine was similar between the recreational athletes and the elite athletes. After taking Caffeine, both groups reported less fatigue. And the elite athletes reported greater levels of tension, vigor, and subjective vitality. The ratings of vigor, in particular, were higher in the elite athletes than the recreational athletes. The researchers concluded that 6 mg Caffeine per kg bodyweight similarly improves performance among elite and recreational athletes. It also enables greater workload at a given level of perceived exertion. Or, put another way, it reduces perceiv ...

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 to CRISPR pioneers Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna. Charpentier and Doudna “have discovered one of gene technology’s sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors,” reads the Nobel announcement. The two scientists proved that these genetic scissors “could be controlled so that they can cut any DNA molecule at a predetermined site. Where the DNA is cut it is then easy to rewrite the code of life.” “In medicine, clinical trials of new cancer therapies are underway, and the dream of being able to cure inherited diseases is about to come true. These genetic scissors have taken the life sciences into a new epoch and, in many ways, are bringing the greatest benefit to humankind.” See our review of the 2017 book, A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution, co-authored by Doudna. "CRISPR gives us the power to radically and irreversibly alter the biosphere that we inhabit by providing a way to rewrite the very molecules of life any way we wish," is one of Doudna’s conclusions. "It won’t be long before CRISPR allows us to bend nature to our will in the way that humans have dreamed of since prehistory." We avidly follow CRISPR news and regularly cover related research advances, and the first clinical experiments with live patients. My impression is that CRISPR technology is advancing very fast toward operational maturity, with frequent spectacular improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and cost. The big wave pictured by Doudna in the opening of her book is becoming an irresistible tsunami that will bring big change. BIG change. “We're eight years into it and clearly still many advances happening in the field that are continuing to expand the capabilities of the CRISPR technology,” said Doudna in a recent interview. “So I don't see any end to that right away.” CRISPR Technique Destroys Cancer Cells Researchers at Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) have destroyed Ewing's sarcoma and chronic myeloid leukaemia cancer cells in laboratory mice. The researchers used CRISPR gene editing to cut out the fusion genes that cause these cancers. Fusion genes are unique to cancer cells and therefore are excellent targets for the development of future drugs that only attack cancer cells. A paper is published in Nature Communications. It describes how the researchers have used CRISPR to selectively and efficiently remove fusion genes. Common Cold May Limit Damage from COVID-19 Scientists led by Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine have shown that the immunity built up from previous non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections does not prevent individuals from getting COVID-19. A study is published in Journal of Clinical Investigation. It indicates that a previous positive test result for a coronavirus did not prevent someone from getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. But the study also indicates that people with evidence of a previous infection from a "common cold" coronavirus have less severe COVID-19 symptoms. The scientists hope that their findings will contribute to limiting the damage from COVID-19. Regenerating Neurons in the Eye and the Brain Researchers at University of Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins University, Ohio State University, and University of Florida, have identified genes that determine whether neurons will regenerate in certain animals, such as zebrafish. A study is published in Science. It maps the genes of animals that have the ability to regenerate retinal neurons. The researchers are persuaded that related research advances could one day enable regeneration of retinal neurons in people. And similar processes could regenerate neurons in the brain.

Pycnogenol and Oligopin are two brands of the well-researched extract from French Maritime Pine Bark (Pinus Pinaster). It's considered a super-antioxidant because it contains high amounts of oligomeric proanthocyanin compounds (OPCs). These are the same ingredients that are responsible for the antioxidant benefits of grape seeds and witch hazel bark. The company that makes Pycnogenol has funded hundreds of research studies and published many positive findings. The extract is marketed as a health supplement for the circulatory system and a variety of body functions associated with heart health and blood flow. Although most of the studies on pine bark have been small, many have been done by independent research and can confirm some of the health claims made by the manufacturer. Studies suggest that pine bark helps promote blood flow by increasing levels of nitric oxide. And it is often recommended to support healthy blood pressure, promote a healthy inflammatory response, and promote overall heart health. Of its many benefits, it is most widely taken as a supplement to boost cardiovascular function. And studies suggest it is effective at promoting healthy blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. A 2013 study on obese people found that those who participated in a diet and exercise program while taking Pycnogenol experienced more significant reduction in waist size, triglycerides, blood sugar, blood pressure, and an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The cardiovascular benefits of supplementing with French Maritime Pine Bark Extract are well supported by research. However, one well-designed and large study did not show conclusive findings on heart health benefits. It was done on the Flavangenol brand, which is standardized to contain much less OPC than Pycnogenol and Oligopin. Other studies suggest pine bark extract can have a positive effect on circulation and endothelium function. And several showed a reduction in swelling and discomfort for people with chronic venous insufficiency. These and other findings suggest that French Maritime Pine Bark Extract might be a good supplement for people who want to promote healthy vein function. The circulatory benefits of pine bark and its effects on blood flow and nitric oxide levels may also help support healthy erectile function in men. But these benefits are not yet well studied. A few non-cardiovascular benefits of supplementing with French Maritime Pine Bark Extract have been researched with some positive results. Of these findings, one of the most promising is its ability to promote reproductive health in menopausal women. An Italian study found that Pycnogenol reduced hot flashes better than a placebo. These findings were confirmed later in a Japanese study. Supplementing with French Maritime Pine Bark Extract may also promote cognitive health. In an older study from Australia, it improved older adults' working memory to some extent compared to a placebo. No changes were found in other cognitive skills tests. A similar study in 2014 found that middle-aged adults who took Pycnogenol showed improvements in specific cognitive skills more so than the control group. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract is generally considered safe. But it can interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy drugs. Those with autoimmune diseases, those who are pregnant, or those taking prescription medications should consult their doctors before using pine bark. Research does not indicate any major side effects from pine bark. But it can cause fatigue and irritability when combined with certain drugs. Thrivous Omega Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector provides a clinical dose of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract. The formula also includes Omega 3 and Garlic to complement the cardiovascular benefits, support healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and enhance heart function for better aging. Buy Omega today!

Software programmers get a bad rap when it comes to their nutrition. However, the stereotypes aren’t too far from the truth. Late-night programming fueled by pizza and energy drinks is a relatively accurate representation of what happens. And it’s easy to snack mindlessly while you are focused on your work. While you might think you’re getting by just fine on an unhealthy diet, you could be feeling and performing even better. What if, by adjusting your diet and adding a supplement, you could be a better professional programmer? Would you do it? By providing the proper fuel for your brain, you can potentially program faster and better. One way to do so is through the use of nootropics. What Are Nootropics? Nootropics are substances that support brain function and enhance mental performance. Nootropics can include foods, supplements, and drugs. Supplements can help improve your mental performance beyond what can be achieved by lifestyle choices alone. Benefits of Nootropics While most software programmers could improve their diets, there are those that have positive lifestyle habits. Either way, nootropics can provide benefits beyond a healthy diet and exercise. This includes improved focus, better memory, added motivation, and more. The Habits of a Typical Software Programmer If you’ve chosen to be a professional programmer, you’ve accepted a career that is highly sedentary and highly stressful. Programming can take a toll on both your physical and mental health, and you need to make intentional choices to stay healthy. Your job requires you to focus for long periods of time, and that can be difficult to do. After a long day’s work, you may find your memory declining along with your motivation, attention span and overall feeling of well-being. You may experience a mid-day crash and turn to sugary foods or caffeinated drinks to get through it. Regardless of how much you enjoy your job, the physical and mental demands can start to take a toll. Fortunately, you can turn to healthier options. Nootropics for Focus and Memory Do you remember the last time you’ve been able to sit down and work for three hours straight? If you rely on sugary snacks and caffeine to stay focused, it likely has been a while. Your body uses the energy from these types of foods quickly, and when your blood sugar returns to normal, you feel hungry again, and you get up to get another snack or drink. Some nootropic supplements contain Rhodiola and Panax ginseng, both of which are believed to improve focus and memory. Unlike unhealthy food choices, you won’t crash from nootropics and feel the need to take more. As an antioxidant, ginseng may protect your brain cells from free radical damage, thereby helping to improve your brain function in the long run and not just temporarily. Nootropics like Thrivous Clarity contain the herb Bacopa, which may also improve your memory after two to three months of use. Nootropics for Motivation No matter how much you enjoy your job, it can be difficult to stay motivated every day. When you are having an “off” day, you might be tempted to throw in the towel, or you might see your quality of work decline. Some nootropics boost dopamine and serotonin levels, both of which play a critical role in motivation. Nootropics for Mood Software programming can take a toll on your mental health as well. From stressful deadlines to the lack of naturally occurring dopamines due to sedentary work, you would benefit from a mood boost every once in awhile. Nootropics that contain Rhodiola and Zinc are believed to naturally improve your mood based on some placebo-controlled studies. Emotional and mental well-being are just as important as physical health, if not more so, for a pragmatic programmer. When you feel good mentally, you are more inclined to make healthier decisions overall. Nootropics for Sleep When your brain is stimulated all day by your work and even by the lights of your computer screen, you may find it difficult to wind down ...

If you feel chained to a desk, you’re not alone. The World Health Organization notes that 60 to 85 percent of people in the world are living a sedentary lifestyle. Lawyers, especially, find that the lifestyle that comes along with working in the legal profession can be one that leaves them feeling drained, tired and listless. Put down that second — or fifth — cup of coffee, though. Nootropics can offer lawyers a safe, effective way to combat the challenges of their career. Discover how Nootropics may even help improve the work lawyers do. The Challenges in a Lawyer’s Life A common belief is that lawyers, especially partners in a law firm, enjoy a lucrative career that allows them to live a lifestyle of riches and comfort. That belief, though, doesn’t include the countless hours of studying, preparation and hard work that goes into developing and achieving that career. Long Hours in a Sedentary Position A quick look at any personal blog from lawyers across a variety of specialties shows individuals who wake up early on few hours of sleep, spend their days fighting other people’s fires, sitting on the subway, car, or train to get to an office where they sit all day at their desk, answering emails and taking phone calls. When they go back home, these dedicated professionals check more emails. One attorney wrote that he would love to get to the gym, but he is only able to the rare, non-busy day. Common Health and Mental Issues When not at the office, lawyers might spend hours sitting in court, waiting for their case to be called or flying to meetings. While the stereotypical lawyer’s salary is one that many individuals envy, the work requirements and lifestyle are far from ideal for a lawyer’s health, while physical and mental health issues are on the rise. Lawyers often have poor nutrition, eating their breakfast and dinner on the go and their take-out lunch at their desks. There’s no time to properly digest or enjoy their meals. Lawyers have limited physical activity during the day. As much as they value fitness and physical wellness, the demands of their clients, their employers and their careers often take the front seat, pushing their physical health to the side. Lawyers are usually pulled in many different directions, including answering e-mails and reviewing documents while on client calls. There are only so many hours in a day, so multitasking and hourly re-prioritizing become the norm. The problem with this behavior is that an attorney’s attention span is affected, as well as his or her memory and focus. Lawyers often work long, unpredictable hours on little sleep. The hours they do sleep are often broken into smaller chunks and interrupted by work. However, despite the drawbacks, there is a solution that can give lawyers a significant advantage when facing their day. Nootropics and Lawyers: A Perfect Match This newer class of supplements was named in 1972, based on the Greek word for "mind" followed by the word for "bend" or "turn". Known as smart drugs, nootropics are supplements designed to improve the way consumers feel and think while helping to improve their lives. Boost Cognitive Performance Specific formulations provide benefits for everything from long-term brain health to daily productivity. Some of the most common nootropics are made with natural ingredients. For example, Ashwagandha is an herb that some lawyers use to relieve social stress. And some use Fish Oil to support mood and general brain function. Improve Clarity Thrivous Clarity, another example, the first nootropic from Thrivous, is an ideal supplement for lawyers. The vegan ingredients have been tested in peer-reviewed, double-blind studies. Clarity improves focus, memory, and mood, in both short- and long-term brain function studies. The active components, individually, in many nootropics are powerful. Combined, they give an even greater effect. Over two to three months of regular use, Bacopa has been shown to improve memory. Ginkgo Biloba, an ...

Scientists led by Cornell University have created tiny micro-robots, invisible to the naked eye. They walk using four legs controlled by laser light, BBC News reports. These are the first microscopic robots that incorporate semiconductor components. This allows them to be controlled and made to walk with standard electronic signals, notes a Cornell press release. “These robots, roughly the size of paramecium, provide a template for building even more complex versions that utilize silicon-based intelligence, can be mass produced, and may someday travel through human tissue and blood.” A research paper is published in Nature. It describes this advance towards mass-manufactured, silicon-based, functional micro-robots. Lead researchers Itai Cohen and Paul McEuen hope that eventually robots like these could be designed to hunt down and destroy cancer cells, as reported by BBC News. This is one more step toward the fusion of electronics and the human body, covered in Pulse 166. The Cornell press release opens with a reference to Richard Feynman’s seminal lecture, “ There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom ” (1959). This lecture is considered as a key precursor to the field of nanotechnology, pioneered by Eric Drexler in the 1980s. Indeed, the growing miniaturization of robots with integrated processors and actuators seems inexorably to point the way to in-body medical nanotechnology. Perhaps Drexler’s nanobots, swarming through the body and curing diseases (including aging and death) are not that far after all. Genetic Discovery for Regeneration of Adult Skin Scientists at Washington State University have identified a genetic factor that allows adult skin to repair itself like the skin of a newborn. The discovery is described in a research paper published in eLife. It has implications for wound treatment and preventing some of the aging process in skin. The scientists identified a factor in the skin of baby mice controlling hair follicle formation. When it was activated in adult mice, their skin was able to heal wounds without scarring. The reformed skin even included fur and could make goose bumps. A lot of work still needs to be done before this latest discovery in mice can be applied to human skin. But this is a foundational advance according to the scientists. Molecular Studies Reveal that Aging Is Complex Researchers at EPFL have measured the molecular footprint that aging leaves on various mouse and human tissues. A study is published in Cell Reports. The study describes how the researchers used multiple techniques to measure the expression of every one of the thousands of mouse genes across three different tissues: liver, heart, and muscle. The data allowed the researchers to define an aging "footprint" and recover many of the known aging manifestations. However, aging is a complex process. And different tissues behave differently. The researchers are persuaded that further studies will permit advancing toward allowing people to age better and disease-free. Advanced Microscopy Reveals Cancer Vulnerability Caltech researchers have developed a framework using a specialized type of microscopy. It enables probing of the metabolic processes inside cancer cells. A study is published in Nature Communications. The study reports that the researchers applied Raman spectroscopy and Raman scattering microscopy to system biology. This technology permits looking inside cancer cells with more detail than before. The sub-cellular information obtained permits studying how metabolism affects drugs (“pharmacometabolomics”). While the primary purpose of the research was to do fundamental science, the researchers uncovered a few new metabolic susceptibilities in cancer cells.

Brain-inspired or “neuromorphic” computers could be much more efficient than current digital technologies for a wide range of applications. Now, scientists have developed nanomachines that act almost identically to brain cells (see below). These nanomachines could open the door to powerful brain-like computing. “This is the first study where we have been able to emulate a neuron with just a single nanoscale device, which would otherwise need hundreds of transistors,” said lead researcher Stanley Williams, as reported in a press release issued by Texas A&M University. “We have also been able to successfully use networks of our artificial neurons to solve toy versions of a real-world problem that is computationally intense even for the most sophisticated digital technologies.” We can leverage neuroscience “for solving problems that the brain is exceptionally good at,” added Williams. “We have demonstrated that depending on the type of problem, there are different and more efficient ways of doing computations other than the conventional methods using digital computers with transistors.” Nanomachines Emulate brain Cells Scientists at Texas A&M University, Hewlett Packard Labs, and Stanford University, have developed a nanoscale device that acts almost identically to a brain cell (neuron). The synthetic nanoscale device, or synthetic brain cell, consists of layers of different inorganic materials. A research paper is published in Nature. It shows that these synthetic brain cells can be joined together to form intricate networks that can then solve problems in a brain-like manner. For example, these brain-like networks can identify possible mutations in a virus. Molecular Blocks for Rebuilding Antibiotics Researchers at UC San Francisco have re-designed and re-engineered existing antibiotic molecules to overcome antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most urgent public health threats. A paper is published in Nature. It describes a set of molecular LEGO-like pieces that can be altered and joined together to form larger molecules. Using these molecular building blocks, the researchers have created what they hope is the first of many "rebuilds" of drugs that had been shelved due to antibiotic resistance. Artificial Cells for Next-Generation Smart Drugs Chemists at University of Alberta and University of Trento have developed artificial cells that can communicate with other cells within the body. They have potential applications in the field of smart pharmaceuticals. The artificial cells are described in a study published in Science Advances. They work by detecting changes in their environment within the body. In response, the artificial cells create and release proteins that influence the behavior of other cells within the body. The new artificial cells are the first that can chemically communicate with and influence the behavior of natural living cells. The chemists are hopeful that, in future smart pharmaceuticals, artificial cells could be engineered to synthesize and deliver specific therapeutic molecules inside the body. CRISPR-Based Field Test for Malaria Scientists led by Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and MIT have created a malaria test. This field-applicable, ultrasensitive testing method for both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria has been developed using cut and paste CRISPR DNA editing technology. The new malaria diagnostic method is described in a research paper published in PNAS. It combines an optimized 10-minute rapid sample preparation protocol with the CRISPR-based SHERLOCK system. Together, they enable highly specific and sensitive detection of malaria within about an hour.

A new drug, called "Ab8," shows promise in the fight against COVID-19 (see below). The tiny size of the molecules upon which the drug is based "not only increases its potential for diffusion in tissues to better neutralize the virus, but also makes it possible to administer the drug by alternative routes, including inhalation," notes a press release issued by University of Pittsburgh. "Importantly, it does not bind to human cells - a good sign that it won’t have negative side-effects in people." "Ab8 not only has potential as therapy for COVID-19, but it also could be used to keep people from getting SARS-CoV-2 infections,” said researcher John Mellors. “The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge facing humanity, but biomedical science and human ingenuity are likely to overcome it. We hope that the antibodies we have discovered will contribute to that triumph." New Drug Neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 Virus Researchers led by University of Pittsburgh have isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that completely and specifically neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is the cause of COVID-19. The antibody component is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody. It has been used to construct a drug known as "Ab8." It has potential use as a therapeutic and prophylactic against SARS-CoV-2. A research paper is published in Cell. It reports that Ab8 is highly effective in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice and hamsters. Abound Bio, a newly formed company, has licensed Ab8 for worldwide development. Killer T Cells Reduce COVID-19 Severity Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that a multi-layered, virus-specific immune response is important for controlling SARS-CoV-2 during the acute phase of infection. It may reduce COVID-19 disease severity, with the bulk of the evidence pointing to a much bigger role for T cells than antibodies. A weak or uncoordinated immune response, on the other hand, predicts a poor disease outcome. The findings are published in Cell. They suggest that vaccine candidates should aim to elicit a broad immune response that include antibodies, as well as helper and killer T cells to ensure protective immunity. Specific Brain Cells Determine Ability to Adapt Experimenting with laboratory mice, researchers at University of Zurich have found which neurons in the brain are in command in guiding adaptive behavior. This behavior is the ability to constantly adapt to new situations. A study is published in Nature. It indicates that a group of brain cells in the orbitofrontal cortex is particularly active during the relearning process. It appears that this is crucial to behavioral flexibility and our ability to adapt to new situations. The researchers are persuaded that the findings may contribute to a better understanding of brain disorders in which the flexibility in decision making is impaired. This is the case, for example, in various forms of autism and schizophrenia. Enhanced Dopamine Sensors for Brain Disorders Scientists at UC Davis have enhanced a single fluorescent protein-based biosensor. It enables high resolution, real-time imaging of the spatial and temporal release of dopamine in live animals. A research paper is published in Nature Methods. It reports that the scientists have expanded the color spectrum of a previously developed biosensor. The new sensors permit studying dopamine's release in more detail, and model its effects on neural circuits. This could facilitate the development of safer next-generation therapies to neuropsychiatric disorders. In particular, it may help in cases such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction. Soy-Based Compounds Reduce Bone Cancer Researchers at Washington State University have found that the slow release of soy-based chemical compounds from a 3D-printed bone-like scaffold resulted in a reduction in bone cancer cells. It also built up healthy cells and reduced harmful inflammation. Soybeans contain estroge ...

Scientists at University of Washington have designed and synthesized miniproteins that act as potent and stable stable antivirals. They block coronavirus infection of cultured human cells (see below). "Although extensive clinical testing is still needed, we believe the best of these computer-generated antivirals are quite promising," notes lead author Longxing Cao in a University of Washington press release. "They appear to block SARS-CoV-2 infection at least as well as monoclonal antibodies, but are much easier to produce and far more stable, potentially eliminating the need for refrigeration." "Our success in designing high-affinity antiviral proteins from scratch is further proof that computational protein design can be used to create promising drug candidates," added Prof. David Baker. Promise of Synthetic Antivirals for COVID-19 Researchers at University of Washington have shown that computer-designed miniproteins can protect lab-grown human cells from SARS-CoV-2. This is the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The new synthetic antiviral candidates were designed to prevent infection by interfering with the mechanism that coronaviruses use to break into and enter cells. A study is published in Science. It indicates that the lead antiviral candidate rivals the best-known SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies in its protective actions. DNA Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy Scientists at Wistar Institute successfully delivered nanoparticle-based cancer vaccines. They stimulated robust cell immunity and controlled melanoma growth in preclinical models. A research paper is published in Cancer Immunology Research. It suggests that DNA-launched nanoparticle vaccination (DLnano-vaccines), developed using synthetic DNA technology, may be designed for various types of cancer. This could be a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Synthetic Molecular Bricks Kill Cancer Cells Researchers at Max Planck Institute have found that the self-destruction mechanism of cancer cells can be activated. This is done by means of targeted and localized disruption of structure of the cells. Laboratory experiments are described in a study published in Journal of the American Chemical Society. They have already demonstrated initial successes. The researchers have synthetically produced molecular “Lego bricks” that travel into both normal and cancer cells. If indicators of cancer are found, the individual Lego bricks can connect and form a large web-like network. The web grows inside the cancer cells. It is extremely stable and deforms the cancer cells from the inside out. Unable to cope with the physical stress, the cancer cell activates its own self-destruction mechanism. Selectively Killing Cancer Cells Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Oxford have suggested a new way to kill some multiplying human breast cancer cells. This is done by selectively attacking the core of their cell division machinery. The technique has, so far, been tested only on lab-grown and patient-derived cancer cells. It is described in a research paper published in Nature. The scientists are persuaded that the findings could advance efforts to find drugs that kill breast cancer cells in a subset of patients, and leave healthy cells unharmed. Control Gene Activation in Biotechnology Researchers at UC San Diego have solved a long-standing DNA activation code mystery. This was done with the aid of artificial intelligence. Human genes are known to be activated through instructions delivered by the precise order of our DNA. But how three-quarters are turned on, or promoted, has remained a mystery so far due to the enormous number of DNA base sequence possibilities. A paper was published in Nature. It identifies a frequently used DNA activation code. According to the researchers, it could eventually be used to control gene activation in biotechnology and biomedical applications. Haptic Glove Mimics the Experience of Touch Engineers at University of New So ...